Vitriini Glass Boxes

There are jewelry boxes and then there are boxes that become the jewels. Created by glass designer Anu Penttinen, Vitriini is a new line from the Finnish design brand iittala that allows you to showcase small favorite items in your own little mantlepiece museum. In total, there are 22 variations in size and color in a choice of glass, metal, and wood components. The Vitriini boxes are currently available in the United States and prices vary depending on the size and color. The small boxes (2.4” x 2.4”) range from $45-$100, and large boxes (4.3” x 4.3”) range from $70-$165.

Speaking of Finnish design, Helsinki has been announced as the World Design Capital for 2012. This award is a new initiative of the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design that is given to city that uses design from a “social, cultural, and economical perspective” to reinvent itself. Previous Design Capitals include Turin in 2008 and Seoul in 2010.